About our Launch (With a Little #CalendarGirl Sponsor Love!)

So you’ve RSVP’ed, you’ve pre-ordered your calendar, you’re ready to have fun by giving to a fantastic cause, and you already know there will be 12 hot SoMe girls at our event, but here are a few more details about our launch (with a little sponsor love!):

Our venue for our launch event has been generously provided by The Social. Located on Park Street, the upscale bar is a fresh, mature alternative to the typical night out in Columbus. It’s a stylish place to meet and bring new friends, and consists of 4 separate environments that include an elegant bar room, a small dance area, a comfortable upstairs lounge and a spectacular roof top patio. Our launch could not be in better hands, and just for our guests, The Social has developed two separate specialty drinks in honor of the evening, along with offering food specials and great valet deals for those who choose to participate. But just in case you still want something sweet (you know, like us) cupcakes will be provided for our guests by the amazing Carpe Dulce Bakery.

While at our event, be sure to grab a #CalendarGirl (er, gently, and with her permission) and hop in the photobooth provided by ShutterBooth. Whether it’s a wedding, graduation, or corporate event, ShutterBooth creates a customized experience perfect for your special occasion.  Each strip of photos will be printed with our #calendargirls2011 logo to help each of you remember the night (you know, because those specialty drinks are potent).

Just in case you have trouble picking us out of the crowd, each #CalendarGirl will also be wearing t-shirts provided by Amorphia Apparel. Amorphia is owned and operated by Jeremy Kalgreen, who is a self-professed “slacker, former art student, and general ne’er-do-well.” But no worries about the quality about his shirts…he’s committed to high quality printing and materials for his designs (which are hilarious, by the way).

Also throughout the evening, we’ll be selling raffle tickets for two separate 50/50 drawings (half to go to epilepsy education and awareness, half to the winner!), AND, special prize drawings (donated by Paula Fistick of Mary Kay and The SBB and worth over $700) to be held throughout the evening.

We are so excited to have you join us, for you to purchase our calendar (we’ll be available all evening to sign your limited edition copy!), and in doing so, to give to a wonderful cause. See you tonight!

A Quick Minute With #CalendarGirl Amy Schmittauer

Name:   Amy M. Schmittauer
Calendar Month: July
Twitter handle: @Schmittastic
Typical Tweet: Watch my videos. They’re ridic.
Hey, pretty lady, what’s your sign? Gemini
You can find me elsewhere on the Web at: wakingupamy.com
Favorite food/restaurant: Definitely have to say Elevator Bar because it is such a great part of Downtown. They even brew their own beer here in the ‘Bus. Great for a business lunch or just a casual night out. Their pickles are the bomb.  If you like things that taste like they’re on fire, you should get them.

When I’m not working, I’m: writing, reading, traveling, networking, yoga-ing, or cuddling my beagle.

I can’t get enough: Sleep. I don’t know what it is about me, but I can just sleep forever. I really hate it when I hear “You can sleep when you’re dead.” To that I say “I won’t be sleeping. I’ll BE DEAD!”

My dirty little secret is: I’m not social. Or at least I don’t think I am. Showing up and being me without the comfort of a computer screen has the complete opposite effect of making me feel fairly bashful and I think there are a lot of people out there that feel the same. Maybe? Please??

My favorite part about social media is: Oh I’m sure we girls all have the same answer for this question, but I love the ability to express my individuality. It’s like we have finally been given permission to completely be ourselves (nerds), because that is precisely what social media is meant to emphasize – authenticity. In turn, I develop relationships with amazing and fascinating people and then meet them in person bringing that connection full circle. Tell me that’s not something special!

Epilepsy fact: Absolutely ANYTHING that we can do for the Epilepsy Foundation is really important because the research for this disorder has always been significantly underfunded. We send federal dollars to research so many other things that don’t affect near the percentage of Americans who suffer from epilepsy. How can we not help?!

One thing you MUST know about me before you purchase a kick-ass calendar to benefit epilepsy research and education (because you ARE buying one, right? :)): The beagle in my [calendar] picture is not a stand in. She is the real deal. Lucy is the light of my life and has from her own form of epilepsy. Although your money can’t help her, I hope she will motivate you to help her human friends that NEED a cure for this disorder. You can, however, donate doggie treats. I will be sure to get them to her. :)

A Quick Minute With #CalendarGirl Jessie Eckert

Jessie is a lover of technology, gadgets, art, music & the outdoors and is passionate about all things marketing & social media.

Name: Jessie Eckert
Calendar Month: January
Twitter handle: @JessieEckert
Typical Tweet: Who’s pumped about QR codes? This girl right here! #itsnerdycauseitstrue
Hey, pretty lady, what’s your sign? Capricorn. I occasionally check the last pages of magazines to check my horoscope. There’s something delightfully tacky about those descriptions that make me laugh. Who gets paid to write those anyway?
You can find me elsewhere on the Web at:
http://www.cbusr.com/JessieEckert

Favorite food/restaurant: I love food and hate condiments! My normal cravings are a mixture between stromboli, sushi, and fresh salads. My all time favorite restaurant is Blue Ginger. Perfect for sushi and pad thai.
When I’m not working, I’m: Running, networking, laughing, researching, listening to music and of course, tweeting.
I can’t get enough: I will never be able to get enough popcorn, music, apps, and research of social media/technology/online marketing.
My dirty little secret is: I sing…a lot! In the shower, in the car, when I’m cleaning, when I’m getting ready to go out…I can’t help it. What’s worse? I’m completely musically challenged.
My favorite part about social media is: The ability to constantly learn new things, stay up to date with industry trends, and network with people who share the same interests!
Epilepsy fact: It’s hard to believe that, historically, epilepsy research has been under-funded! How heartbreaking….lets work together to change this!
One thing you MUST know about me before you purchase a kick-ass calendar to benefit epilepsy research and education (because you ARE buying one, right? :)): I couldn’t be happier to be a part of #CalendarGirls. It’s inspiring to be part of a community that has come together to support a great cause.

#CalendarGirl Sponsor Love: Paper and Printing

One of the reasons we have LOVED putting this calendar together is because of our kick-ass vendors, sponsors, and supporters. Columbus is a city that cares…we have been floored by the generous spirit of this city’s people, and to that end, must shine a light on the people who have given their time, talent and resources to our cause. Please read, click the links, and visit and support these Central Ohio businesses.

Up today? Our amazing, giving, and wonderfully top-notch Paper and Printing team!

Paper

Arvey is a one stop store for brand name papers, card stock, envelopes, graphic arts, facility, packaging and office products. But the thing about Arvey that’s great is not its paper (though that’s really, really great), it’s the woman behind Arvey Columbus, Cheri Allbritton. Cheri has been an amazing supporter of #CalendarGirls, and has used her Social Media prowess, experience in the biz, and vast knowledge of paper, printing and marketing to truly make our Calendar special. Each time we hear from Cheri, we know she’s going to suggest something awesome, whether it’s adding a tagline, using a different sales strategy, or even just re-wording a Tweet for maximum impact.

We could go on, but at this point, Cheri has probably bested us by about 5 Tweets and Facebook shoutouts, so we gotta catch up.

Printing

Tim Ryan of Ryan Printing does exceptional work. When creating our first calendar, we didn’t know that adding some elements (e.g. a mostly black cover, but hush-hush on that) can typically be a daunting task for a less experienced printer. But when we saw the proof of our completed calendar, we were in awe of the quality and care Ryan Printing put in to our product. Tim was also very knowledgeable about costs, and helped us work out the best way for us to get a great product while still donating as much as possible to epilepsy awareness and education.  An all around exceptional guy and company!

#CalendarGirl Sponsor Love: Photography, Editing, and Graphic Design

One of the reasons we have LOVED putting this calendar together is because of our kick-ass vendors, sponsors, and supporters. Columbus is a city that cares…we have been floored by the generous spirit of this city’s people, and to that end, must shine a light on the people who have given their time, talent and resources to our cause. Please read, click the links, and visit and support these Central Ohio businesses.

Up today? Our uber-talented photography, editing and design team!

Photography

Scott Weaver is a self-proclaimed, “graphic designer by day but a photographer for life.” He has been taking photographs for over 20 years and is passionate about both photography and design and believes they go hand in hand.

He loves the challenge of taking both natural light portraits as well as playing with all the lights and modifiers in the studio. Scott was such a pleasure to work with, made each girl feel comfortable and beautiful…and of course, just wait’ll you see his work in the calendar!

Editing

Look, uh, it’s not as if twelve already beautiful women needed a lot of retouching (a-hem), but photo re-toucher and restorationist Katie Valeska took pretty photos and with her genius, made them absolutely spectacular (we know, we’ve seen ‘em). Please, please visit her sight to catch the magic of her “before and afters.”

Graphic Design

With nearly a decade of experience designing logos, business cards, and website and interactive design, Threehouse’s Alison Guidry is the consummate professional. The highest praise she received from the project was from our printer who said, “Whoever did this calendar really knew what they were doing. We didn’t have to change a thing.”

A Quick Minute with #CalendarGirl Carolyn Maul

Name: Carolyn

Calendar Month: November (November is Epilepsy Awareness month!)

Twitter handle: @CarolynMaul

Typical Tweet: Dear Hidden Valley, I love ranch. I eat it w/everything. You should hire me to be your Ranch Gal. All my tweeps would “LMAO.” Xoxo, Carolyn

Hey, pretty lady, what’s your sign? Cancer, the emotional roller coaster of the Zodiac
You can find me elsewhere on the Web at: Cbusr.com/CarolynMaul | Facebook.com/SingerCarolyn | www.savvysocialist.com

Favorite food: Sushi and um, RANCH

When I’m not working, I’m: Singing, running, cooking, crashing tweet-ups and indulging in shameful reality TV shows (Real Housewives, holler!)

I can’t get enough: Take a guess (ahem, ranch dressing!)

My dirty little secret is: I’m afraid of the dark and HAVE to sleep with either the TV or the light on!

My favorite part about social media is: Forging connections that can grow offline as well

Epilepsy fact: Epilepsy is not the same as mental illness and in fact, the majority of people with seizures do not develop mental health problems.

One thing you MUST know about me before you purchase a kick-ass calendar to benefit epilepsy research and education (because you ARE buying one, right? :)): I also tweet under another alias… so I’m kind of like a Clark Kent/Superman (woman?) of Cbus tweeters. I occasionally @-reply folks from the wrong account. Oh, and I’m a habitual dreeter. Oops.

#CalendarGirl Sponsor Love–Hair, Make-Up and Styling

One of the reasons we have LOVED putting this calendar together is because of our kick-ass vendors, sponsors, and supporters. Columbus is a city that cares…we have been floored by the generous spirit of this city’s people, and to that end, must shine a light on the people who have given their time, talent and resources to our cause. Please read, click the links, and visit and support these Central Ohio businesses.

Up today? Our amazing beauty team!

Make You (Make Up)

Leigh Ann (also Ms. December)  moved to Columbus from Denver in 2007 with her Husband and two kids. She established Make You in 2009 and enjoys every aspect of the business and her craft. You can often find her participating in the monthly make-over on Good Day Columbus, and at various events at Big Rock, Little Rooster.

Cut, Color, Style (Hair)

Beth Seitz is a Columbus native with over 15 years of experience developing her education and energy that has resulted in the creation of Cut Color Style. Her growth and development has led to various honors and accolades including a cover contest for Ohio Stylist Magazine. Beth specializes in bridal styling and particularly enjoys styling for fashion and editorial photographers. Beth’s focus is on providing her clients with individualized attention using cutting edge techniques and the most updated styles.

ESS Artistry (Styling)

Elizabeth Solinger (also Ms. October) is a local stylist, model and all around artistry guru.  She provides styling, art direction, set design, and costumes for local artists, productions and photo shoots, including High Ball Columbus, Joie magazine, and recently, a cover shoot for Dayton City Paper. Her mission is to create unique products through upcycling and the use of vintage or “previously loved” items.

Come visit our phenomenal beauty team at our Launch, this Thursday, January 20, from 7-10 pm!